Lawyers urge firms to prepare for age laws

Employers cannot afford to be complacent in preparing for forthcoming age discrimination laws, lawyers have warned.

The legislation, due to be enforced in October this year, is the most important development in UK employment law in a generation, according to Adam Turner, an employment lawyer at Lovells.

“It would be dangerous for employers to be complacent,” he said. “The age regulations will affect every stage of the employment relationship life-cycle, from recruitment to termination. In many instances, this will require a complete shift in mindset when it comes to workplace practices.”

The government has denied suggestions that the new laws would be delayed until December.